Thomas was 9 of 13 from the field and Averkamp sank all eight free throw attempts for Loyola (12-7, 2-4 Horizon League), which converted 18 of 22 shots from the charity stripe.

Both teams made just nine shots in the first half and entered intermission tied 25-all. Cleveland State opened the second half on a 13-4 run and led 48-36 with 13:23 left to play. But Loyola rattled off 12 straight points to tie the game at 48.

Cleveland State (10-11, 2-5) regained the lead 55-51 but was held scoreless over the final 4:58 as Loyola pulled away.

Bryn Forbes had 22 points for Cleveland State and is averaging 16.6 points since being inserted into the starting lineup Jan. 7.